Do you suspect that you have contracted Cornaviruses? Then definitely not to the doctor. Find out what you should do instead.
The main transmission path of corona viruses, also called Sars-CoV-2, is droplet infection. There is a risk of infection if respiratory secretions from infected people - such as from sneezing and coughing - get on the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose or mouth. In this way, the viruses can penetrate the body and trigger typical symptoms * such as fever, headache and sore throat.
However, such signs can also speak for a "normal" flu-like infection. Since the flu wave has not yet survived in 2020, some people will have problems in classifying their own symptoms. The following applies: If you show typical symptoms of a coronavirus infection AND have had contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case and / or were in a risk area within the last weeks before the onset of the disease, you should observe certain rules regarding the doctor's visit .
If you suspect an infection with Sars-CoV-2, never see a doctor
The Federal Center for Health Education (BzgA) and the Bavarian State Office for Health and Food Safety (LGL) advise if an infection with Sars-CoV-2 is suspected:
- Stay at home: avoid contact and closeness to others, even shaking hands is taboo.
- A mouth mask * should be worn to protect others.
- Do not go to your family doctor, but call your doctor or the responsible health authority . This can ensure that you are examined in practice in isolation or a home visit can be organized. This ensures that other patients in the waiting room do not become infected.
If the doctor decides that there is reasonable suspicion of a coronavirus infection - the patient has fever, cough and breathing problems and was previously in a risk area such as the Lombardy region in Italy, a coronavirus test is initiated. If this is positive, the responsible health authority must be informed, which, depending on the case, provides for domestic quarantine * or isolation in the hospital.
Also read : Infected with the Corona virus by banknotes? Expert reveals how high the risk is .
Coronavirus epidemic: prevent the overloading of clinics and doctor's offices by correct behavior
German health insurance companies have been paying for the laboratory test for the SARS CoV-2 pathogen since February 1, 2020. However , the Robert Koch Institute restricts only if medical advice has been given and a medical suspicion exists . as the focus reported.
To avoid overloading emergency departments, clinics and doctor's offices, not only the rules of conduct recommended above apply. Telemedicine is also coming into play. The doctor-patient portal Jameda, for example, is now offering the premium video consultation service free of charge . Patients who are suspected of having Covid-19 * should be able to consult a doctor in this way for six months. The doctor makes an initial diagnosis via webcam - without endangering other patients and medical staff from possible infection.
Sources : www.br.de; www.focus.de; www.chip.de; www.rki.de
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Read more : Corona virus in Germany: What everyone can do to avoid becoming infected.
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